I love Gien china. I recently bought a blue and white mug which was incorrectly marked at $12. When I saw them I said to the shop owner "is this correct?" She checked the computer and was horrified, but let me have it at that price for bringing it to her attention. I think they retail for around $60 here._________________Barbara

in recent years, i have had to force myself to STOP even looking at dishes/china/etc. -- especially after i counted and found that i could put a plate in front of all my guests if i had a dinner party for 150 people!

which is not to say i'm not tempted by those lovely berries..._________________So far, so good.

Haha -- I understand completely--
you'd think I was preparing for the Queen and her entourage
(to sit and dine with me and my delusions..of grandeur.)
But what fun! I think being obsessed with dishes is just a natural extension of nurturing/nesting. Perfectly natural to own several sets! If I can't help myself I'll buy just one plate or small tray and use it for fruit on the counter, 3 perfect peaches. Steer clear of the Gien site, Georgia!
Barbara, the blue and white mug was the 'blue chair' pattern that you like? I remember--sort of--an abstract garden setting and a blue chair.

Well, even to me, having all those dishes seems sort of "piggy". I do plead a bit of innocence, however. Some came by way of inheritance. Others were bargains I simply could not resist . Two sets are for the holidays. Others were gifts. Also, one must take into account how long this obsession has been going on...more than forty years!

I think Barbara's idea of a mug or cup -- or yours of a single lovely piece -- is a fine compromise. It's one I've been indulging in for years with wine glasses. The collection of different styles is charming on the table, and if it's merely a pre-dinner glass of wine, everyone can remember which glass is his/hers!

Still thinking about those berries..._________________So far, so good.

I love pretty plates and have over the years picked up dozens of individual plates at garage sales, antigue stores etc.. The realtor I'm dealing with did mention that perhaps my dining room walls were a bit busy, but really, there are only about 50 or 60 plates on the walls!!_________________Vivant Linguae Mortuae!!

David, does this mean you are leaving the lovely country house you shared with us in photos?! I took a little piece of that place into my heart. (And the dining room decor sounds just about right...) If you are making a change, best wishes for happiness in your new home._________________So far, so good.

Hey, thanks for your fine memories! But as much as I hate to leave my wonderful old (160 years) country stone house, truth is a 2800 sq ft house on 12 hectares of land is just too much for me to handle. I've been alone there now for 4 1/2 years and Dick has been dead for 2 1/2. It's just time to move on and into something smaller and more manageable. Am actually looking at moving to Prince Edward County, a small peninsula that justs into Lake Ontario, particularly into the villages of Picton or Bloomsfield. This little county has 33 vineyards and 2 cheese factories, is heavy into sustainability, has art galleries, good restaurants and a more equitable climate and I can get a lovely house for few enough dollars to leave me set for life! (How's that!!!!) (if you do any research make sure you don't confuse Prince Edward County with Prince Edward Island, Or Prince Edward County Virginia!)_________________Vivant Linguae Mortuae!!

Oh yes I researched a little and it's almost good enough for you!
Wow David it's a great place, isn't it?
I hope that Prince-Edward-whoever guy will graciously welcome Prince David.
Bookstore? There are shipwrecks too!
andcheeseandwine.. why aren't you keeping this secret? It should motivate all of us to seek or create a really right place to live 'til we die.. or move!

Hee hee, well it really is perfect for me! My own little "south of France" without having to put up with French red tape! the rich Toronto crowd is moving in to the county but they want the big Victorian houses and/or waterfront, so those prices are scary, but if you just want a modest village home it's quite affordable, and close enough to Toronto and Ottawa so airports are accessible! I say, come one come all!!_________________Vivant Linguae Mortuae!!

It sounds like the best of all possible worlds, David! How exciting to be starting a new adventure in such a lovely place. Good luck to you, and may you carry many sweet memories with you wherever you go._________________So far, so good.